The
2008 athletic season is officially underway and many top athletes
when to Doha to shake the dust off. Good weather attracts
many athletes to this early season meet in an attempt to get
an edge on competition.
Doha did not disappoint on Friday as temperatures where around
30C and competition was equally as hot. Since Hilary still
needs to hit a qualifying mark for Beijing, she decided to
race in this early season meet. Nearly all the women who raced
in the 1500m will represent their country in this year’s
Olympic Games, making it a great field of competitors.

Unfortunately, no one was quite ready for the fast pace set
by the rabbit that, if held, would end in 4 minutes for 1500m.
As a result, the field went out extremely slow through 800m
in 2:16.
“My plan was to get out in mid-pack and go through 800m
in around 2:11-2:12 (on pace to run about 4:06). So, I got
out mid-pack on the inside rail and realized I was in trouble
when we passed 400m in 69 – in trouble because I was
boxed in and wanted urgently to get to the front and get rolling,
which didn’t happen.”

Hilary explains that she was disappointed to finish so far
back in the pack with the slow time, but says she felt strong
and is confident that her kick will sharpen up with more racing.
She ended up running 4:12.02 for 10th place.

“I came here to run fast so it was a very disappointing
time since I feel I’m in better shape. Nevertheless,
I can still take it as a tactical experience and practice
for championship races. I’m keen to get out there again
and race another 1500m and will have a chance to do this in
one week in England.”